“Ninety percent of this game is half mental” –  Yogi Berra

It’s been said that sports are 80 percent mental and 20 percent physical. But most athletes spend nearly 100 percent of their time refining physical skills, and little to no time working to enhance their mental game.

The One Trait Shared By the All-Time Greats

However, when you examine the training techniques shared by the greatest athletes of our era—Michael Jordan, Emmitt Smith and Jerry Rice, to name just a few—they all share one thing in common: mental preparation.

When you look at Emmitt’s 40-time, there’s no reason he should be the NFL’s all-time leading rusher. Same with Hall of Famer, Jerry Rice. He shouldn’t be the NFL’s all-time leading receiver.

Neither player was slow, but they sure weren’t the fastest. Or the strongest. But they dominated the game in spite of those things because of how they prepared mentally. That’s what gave them the competitive advantage.

The Battle is Won in the Mind

Larry Bird, another all-time great, couldn’t jump and was slow for NBA standards, yet the battle was won in Bird’s mind before it even started. He would play an entire game in his head before he would step on the floor. Larry is now “Larry Legend,” not because of his physical prowess, but because of his mental preparation.

How You Can Win with Mental Preparation

As a college student or a career-changer looking to break into sports, your mental preparation will give you one of the biggest advantages over the competition. Just as physical skills can be enhanced with practice and repetition, so can mental skills. Olympic runner, Lynn Jennings sums it up like this: “Mental will needs exercise, just like muscles in the body.”

4-STEP MENTAL EXERCISE: (1) Grab a pen and a spiral notebook. Or, jump on a computer and open up a Word doc. (2) At the top of the page write, “How I Landed My First Job in Sports.” (3) Below that, write out a scenario about how you secured an interview with your favorite sports property. (4) Then, write out how the interview ended with you getting a job offer. This exercise will force you to think through the process, giving you clarity, confidence and the mental edge.

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About Chris McKinney

Chris McKinney is the president of SPORTS LAUNCH™, a career services firm dedicated to helping college students and career-changers launch sports careers. Chris' new book, How to Land Your First Job in Sports: 7 Simple Steps can be found on www.SportsLaunch.net.

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(This is a guest article by Mark Washo)

I host a weekly online Sports Management chat as an Adjunct Professor for Sports Management Worldwide where I’m able to invite guest speakers from within the sports industry to participate. Over the past few months the students have learned from executives at many top teams, companies and agencies.

I also have been on the sports conference circuit in the past year, participating in numerous sports business panels. Whether I am sitting on a panel or facilitating chats, I hear the same reoccurring advice about how to break into the sports industry. Here are some tips from recent calls to help give sports job seekers a head start.

1.  Network, network, network- build your pro sports Rolodex

• One of the most important things you can do when trying to break into sports, is to build your Rolodex of professional sports contacts.  Learfield’s Mary Lee Gilliland comments “Job seekers should seek out events and opportunities to meet as many sports executives and people working in the industry as they can. The first place sports executives look when they have open positions, is within their own network.  I receive dozens of e-mails a year from my friends in the business asking me if I know of candidates that would be qualified for their open positions.”

2.  Ask for informational interviews

• Another great way to build your Rolodex of contacts is to ask for informational interviews.  Chris Canetti COO of the Houston Dynamo states, I am surprised to learn many people are intimidated to approach sports executives.”  Meanwhile, I can tell you that I rarely get approached for informational interviews and would be more than happy to grant them.” Do not be afraid to ask for an informational interview.

3.  Attend sports marketing conferences, seminars and job fairs

• More and more companies, resources and websites such as SportsNetworker.com now exist to aid you in your job seeking efforts.  Chris Keeney of Lone Start Sports encourages students to attend as many industry events as possible, “a proven way to build your sports contact Rolodex is to attend sports marketing conferences, seminars and job fairs.

4.  Intern or volunteer

• Every sports executive I talk to mentions the fact that they have volunteer opportunities at their team. Beth Cunningham of Northwestern University and Brian Flenner of Ohio State both indicate they need help both days of game as well as in the office during the week. “If you volunteer and do a great job, you will further your efforts towards breaking into the industry”, encourages Beth Cunningham.

5.  Resumes and cover letters need to be as professional as possible

• Drew Young from the Philadelphia Eagles has reviewed hundreds of sports job seeker resumes warns, “If your resume is not professionally done, highlighting your strengths and background you will get passed over.”  Also if there are typos, miss-spelling or poor grammar, this also can dismiss you as a viable candidate.”  Therefore, make sure you have at lest two or three other people review your resume.

6.  Prepare for interviews (job interviews and informational interviews)

• Interview preparation includes researching the executives you will be interviewing with, familiarizing yourself with the teams ticketing and marketing programs, and the overall team itself.  Ralph Rosello reminds job seekers “you should prepare educated questions, since every interviewer will give you an opportunity to ask questions.”

7.  Utilize Social Media tools to build industry knowledge and relationships

• “There is a wealth of knowledge out there on social media networks and communities just waiting to be tapped” says John Guppy from Gilt Edge Soccer Marketing, a sports social media expert. “Social media has also broken down many of the barriers to starting, developing, and maintaining relationships. While I don’t recommend harassing sports executives on Twitter, if used correctly, tools such as this do represent a way for a job seeker to raise their profile in the eyes of an individual and begin to establish a connection.”

8.  Stay persistent a “no for now” is not a no forever

• Matt Difebo from the newly formed Difebo Company tells job seekers, “Breaking into Sports is NOT an easy task.  However, once you get in the sky is the limit.  I have seen too many potential sports job seekers get discouraged and give up; only to miss opportunities that would have come their way.”  If you follow all the tips presented in this article, and stay persistent, over time you will land a position with a professional sports team.

9.  If at first you cannot get it, consider gaining sales experience

• The final piece of advice for you to consider is that if for some reason you cannot land a position in sports, the next best experience you can gain outside the industry is sales or revenue generating experience.  In all sports businesses revenue generation is king.  Therefore if you can learn how to generate revenue, no matter what profession or industry, you will be valuable to the sports industry.

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Mark Washo is an 18 year professional sports executive and author of Break Into Sports Through Ticket Sales. He is the current President of the Washington Freedom. Mark has experience in Minor League Baseball, the NBA, MLS and now Women’s Professional Soccer.  Please visit www.breakintosports.biz to learn more.

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About Lewis Howes

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Matt Crevin of Voice of the Box interviews Mark Allan from NFL Films. Mark is a seasoned professional and takes us through his role as camera operator. He also shares what  companies like NFL Films looks for from young up and coming talent looking to break into this unique piece of the sports business.

About Matt Crevin

If you are passionate about pursuing a career in the sports industry and want to discover how top level insiders got their start, connect with Matt today. Matt provides a unique look into the careers of many sports industry executives, revealing their success stories, advice and techniques you can put to use as part of your search strategy. Collaborate with Matt and start listening, learning, creating and executing your own action plan! Equipped with business background and sports insider’s knowledge, Matt is ready to share his passion and knowledge with you! He delivers to his individual clients a unique process and format which gives sports industry hopefuls a unique look into the numerous career opportunities available in the sports industry and more importantly how to position yourself to break in.

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This weeks feature by Matt Crevin, Voice of the Box, is with Dave Kranz, head statistician for the San Francisco 49ners. Dave is the top man of an eight person crew responsible for recording the details of every play in an NFL game. Learn more about this unique role as Dave shares how he got his start and what it takes to do this job well.

About Matt Crevin

If you are passionate about pursuing a career in the sports industry and want to discover how top level insiders got their start, connect with Matt today. Matt provides a unique look into the careers of many sports industry executives, revealing their success stories, advice and techniques you can put to use as part of your search strategy. Collaborate with Matt and start listening, learning, creating and executing your own action plan! Equipped with business background and sports insider’s knowledge, Matt is ready to share his passion and knowledge with you! He delivers to his individual clients a unique process and format which gives sports industry hopefuls a unique look into the numerous career opportunities available in the sports industry and more importantly how to position yourself to break in.

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The average sports worker will change jobs 8 times with at least 3 career changes, contributing to an annual industry turnover rate nearing 65%.  As Sports and Entertainment converge with the new media and expanding sports properties, there is still a critical need for quality senior level executives and specialized professionals.

Follow these top 14 career-change rules and you should achieve success in contemplating changing careers – and in your Sports Career change:

1.  Do have a well-developed plan for making your Sports Career change. And don’t rush into a career change until you have thought it out and developed a strategy.

2.  Don’t worry if you feel a bit insecure or unsure about making a career change; these feelings are normal.

3.  Do expect to put in a great deal of time and effort in making the switch from one career to another, but don’t allow yourself to get discouraged at the pace or your progress…changing careers takes time.

4.  Don’t rush into a new opportunity because you are dissatisfied or disillusioned with your current job, boss, company, or career field. 

5.  Do take the time to examine the activities that you like and dislike, with more focus on your likes. And do focus on marketplace segments that center around your likes and passions. 

6.  Do leverage some of your current skills and experiences to your new Sports Career by taking advantage of your transferable skills. 

7.  Don’t limit yourself to similar careers or jobs when making a change; look for opportunities that take advantage of both your skills and interests. 

8.  Do consider the possibility that you will need to get additional training or education to gain the skills you need to be competitive in your new sports career field, butdon’t jump headfirst into an educational program…start slowly. 

9.  Do take advantage of all you networking potential, including using your current network of contacts, conducting informational interviews with key employers in your new career field, and joining professional organizations in the Sports Industry. (And do read more about networking). 

10.  Don’t forget to take advantage of the career and alumni offices from your previous educational experiences as well as your current school (if you are going back for additional education or training). 

11.  Do gain experience in your new career field, ideally while you are still working in your current job. Volunteer or find a part-time job in your new career field – thus building experience, confidence, and contacts in your new field.

12.  Don’t go it alone; do find a mentor. Changing sports careers is challenging, and you really need to have someone who can help motivate you and keep you focused on your goal when you get discouraged. 

13.  Do brush up on all aspects of job-hunting, especially if you haven’t had a need to use those skills recently. And do take advantage of all career change resources.  

14.  Above all else, do be flexible. You’re basically starting your career anew, which means you may have to make concessions about job titles, salary, relocation, etc.

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Do you have any other do’s and don’ts to add to this list?  What are some of your own experiences when going through a career transition?  Feel free to share in the comments section below and add to this list.

About Mark Tudi

Mark Tudi is the Founder of SPORTSEARCH, with its primary business activities completely focused on Human Capital Change Management for leading Organizations in over 75 Sports, Recreation and Live-Event Industry marketplace segments. Founded in 1988, SPORTSEARCH specializes in sourcing the critical layer of Executive Management, customized recruiting assignments, “Professional Door-Opening”, and leadership development. For over 30 years, Mark has established a high-profile track record in sports career development, with over 25,000 personal interviews and 850+ successful retained search assignments. He has represented the career interests and managed opportunities for many of the leading executives, personalities and organizations in Sports. His Client list includes members of the Sporting Goods Manufacturers’ Association (SGMA), the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), over 250 Professional Teams, Leagues and Sports Marketing Organizations, as well as several leading Corporate Sports Empires. In 1988, Mark created SPORTS CAREERS, the Industry’s original and most comprehensive Employment Resource Program, designed to help individuals build and manage a career path in Sports. During the 1990’s, he successfully financed the business through the ownership group of the Phoenix Suns, led by Jerry Colangelo, which was later sold to the Franklin Covey Corporation and established as a job board on CBS Sportsline.com. Since then, Mark re-acquired SPORTS CAREERS and has served over 250,000 members, 5,000 active Employers and over 15,000 filled positions at all levels through multiple strategic assets at WWW.SPORTSEARCHONLINE.COM. In addition, Mark founded the Sports & Entertainment Human Resource Forum (SEHRF) to build professional recognition and a unified Industry community for today’s Human Resource Managers, Hiring Authorities and Employers. Most recently, he resurrected the SPORTS CAREERS Conference, the Sports Industry’s first and largest meeting of its kind, where people managers and the career-oriented connect. Mark started his career in sports at the age of 23 by starting his own sporting goods sales agency and then helped build the annual sales volume to over $100 million for two of the nation’s leading Manufacturer’s Rep firms. A graduate of Bowling Green State University majoring in Journalism and Business Administration, Mark has written over 300 articles and made over 300 radio, television and speaking appearances. He is a Visiting Professor of Practice and Student Mentor for the Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University Sports Business Programs. Mark has been an active Member of the Phoenix Regional Sports Commission for the past 20 years, serving as the Chairman of the Board, Executive Director and currently on the Board of Directors for a 6th term. Most recently, Mark was appointed to the Advisory Board of The Perfect Game Foundation, a Non-Profit Organization dedicated to the funding of scholarships for Candidates focused on a Career in Baseball. He is also on the Board of Directors and a Chartered Founding Member of the International Retained Search Associates (IRSA). Some of Mark’s personal accomplishments include a 35+ year marriage with three children, successful rehabilitation from a fractured neck, coaching a three-time Arizona State champion youth soccer team, and is a founding Board Member and original Executive Director of the National Pain Foundation. Mark was also a highly ranked and decorated amateur wrestler…back in the day.

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